The document discusses types of muscle contractions, specifically isotonic and isometric contractions, detailing their characteristics and effects on muscle performance. It also classifies exercises based on muscle contraction types and metabolic demands, explaining the differences between isometric and isotonic exercises and their benefits. Additionally, the information highlights hereditary differences in muscle fiber composition and the importance of selecting appropriate exercises to achieve long-term fitness objectives.

1. TYPES OF MUSCLE CONTRACTION & CLASSIFICATION OF EXERCISE USNISH ADHIKARI 5 TH SEMESTER

2. Skeletal muscles are the principal executor of exercise. Human skeletal muscle can exert maximal contractile force of around 3-4 kg per square cm of cross sectional area. The total tension that could be developed if all the muscles in an adult man pulled together is approximately 25 tons . Contraction of a skeletal muscle is explained by the sliding filament mechanism.

3. TYPES OF MUSCLE CONTRACTION Two types of muscle contraction have been observed in skeletal muscles: A. B.

4. A. ISOTONIC CONTRACTION Muscle contraction is said to be isotonic when the tension on the muscle remains constant throughout, though the length changes. ‘ Iso’= same, ‘Tonic’= strength or tension Since Work done = Force X Distance moved work is done in case of isotonic contraction. The characteristics of isotonic contraction depends on the load against which the muscle contracts as well as the inertia of the load.

5. Isotonic contraction can be : Concentric contraction : Here the muscle actively shortens against constant load . Velocity of contraction is inversely proportional to the load.

6. Eccentric contraction : Here, the muscle actively contracts while lengthening. Load is much greater than the force which the muscle can generate. Also negative work is done by muscle. Muscle is more prone to injury during this type of contraction.

7. B. ISOMETRIC CONTRACTION Muscle contraction is said to be isometric when the length of the muscle remains constant . ‘ Iso’=same ‘Metric’= length Work done = 0 Muscle is in a state of continuous tetanic contraction. ISOTONIC ISOMETRIC

8. ISOMETRIC ISOTONIC Series elastic component stretched . Elastic components less stretched.

9. LOAD-VELOCITY RELATIONSHIP Concentric contraction (muscle shortening) occurs when the force of contraction is greater than the resistance ( positive work) Zero velocity occurs (no change in muscle length) when force of contraction equals resistance ( isometric point ) Eccentric contraction (muscle lengthening) occurs when the force of contraction is less than the resistance ( negative work )

12. Set-up for demonstration of isotonic and isometric contraction

13. EXERCISE What is exercise ? Any state other than rest can be designated as an exercise. Therapeutically, exercise is performance of physical exertion for improvement of health or correction of physical deformity. The type of exercise should be selected according to the objective.

14. CLASSIFICATION OF EXERCISE Exercise can be classified on the basis of type of muscle contraction and metabolic demands: Isometric exercise does not mean that all the muscles involved are in state of isometric contraction; The metabolic pattern resembles though. Same in the case of Isotonic exercise. According to type of muscle contraction ISOMETRIC EXERCISE ISOTONIC EXERCISE According to metabolism ANAEROBIC EXERCISE AEROBIC EXERCSE

15. A. ISOMETRIC EXERCISE In this kind of exercise, majority of the muscles are in a metabolic state similar to isometric contraction. High degree of tissue tension develops in the muscles, due to which the blood vessels supplying the muscles get occluded. Hence the muscle resorts to ANAEROBIC metabolism. These exercises cannot be performed for long time as lactic acid production leads to ischemic pain ( Muscle fatigue).

16. Isometric exercises lead to increase in the STRENGTH of the muscles. This is achieved by both increase in muscle size and maximal contractile force per unit area. Target muscles are those with predominantly Fast Twitch White fibres like Gastrocnemius.

17. Isometric exercises are recommended for: Power Games like sprinting, weight-lifting, boxing, shot-put etc. Gain of function of atrophied muscles .

18. B. ISOTONIC EXERCISE In this kind of exercise, majority of the muscles are in a metabolic state similar to isotonic contraction. Energy is derived by the muscles through AEROBIC METABOLISM. These exercises can be performed for long time at a stretch. Isotonic exercises lead to increase in the ENDURANCE of muscles ( measured by time till they can sustain exertion until complete exhaustion)

19. Target muscles are those with predominantly Slow Twitch Red fibers like Soleus. Isotonic exercises are recommended for: Endurance games like Marathon running, swimming, cycling etc. Cardiovascular prophylaxis .

20. Relative abundance of different muscle fibres in different persons:

21. Hereditary differences have been observed among athletes regarding the relative proportions of Fast and Slow Twitch fibers. Athletic training and exercise has not been shown to change the percentage of slow and fast twitch fibers in humans. So some people are born to be sprinters, while others are born to be marathoners. However, experiments on mice have shown varying results in this respect.

22. The selection of proper exercise should be based on long term objectives to gain the maximum benefit.